Young drivers at risk in cars without ESC

source: Thatcham Research News, volume three, issue eight, August 2008


Young people drive poorly equipped cars

New and young drivers most commonly drive small cars that are cheaper to buy and to insure. Small cars are less safe because of their size.

Small cars are also less likely to have ESC fitted as standard, which is a vital safety feature. 

A first car is often second hand, which makes it even more difficult for young drivers to choose a car fitted with ESC. Yet these young drivers are most likely to be involved in the type of loss of control crashes where ESC could help to prevent the crash. It will take a long time for ESC to appear in the small used car market, yet these cars need it most to protect these young drivers who are most likely to be involved in the type of loss of control crashes where ESC could help to prevent the crash.

Thatcham’s fitment ratings show there are only 5 supermini models with ESC fitted as standard. These are the Mini Hatch, Mini Clubman, Peugeot 1007, Smart For Two, and the Suzuki Splash. From the 43 supermini models rated, these represent only 12% and only a very small choice for the buyer. Another problem is the expense of these models where ESC is fitted as standard. Most of them are priced in the range from £12,000. The cheapest is the Suzuki Splash, although this still costs £9,000 for the base model. The cheaper superminis don’t offer ESC as standard. In fact the Vauxhall Agila, which is the same car as the Suzuki Splash, only offers ESC as an option costing £425.

Young drivers are less likely to prioritise safety features, so do not have the money to buy ESC as an option if they are buying a new car. They often spend time and money on accessories and modifications to their cars including fitting stereos and speakers, wheels, spoilers etc. But since most young drivers can only afford a cheap second hand small car, it is unlikely to have ESC fitted, so they cannot benefit from the protection this safety feature offers.

ESC should be fitted as standard on all cars so that everyone can benefit, even our young and newly qualified drivers as they become proud owners of their first cheap run-around.